Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls, 2025. Photo: ALESSIO MORGESE / AFP
New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has backed his Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar to fill a possible Formula 1 seat at Red Bull next year.
Debate continues over the Red Bull line-up for 2026 with Yuki Tsunoda struggling to back up world champion Max Verstappen to the level the team would like.
Lawson started the first two races of 2025 alongside Verstappen before he was demoted to the junior team and replaced by the Japanese.
Hadjar has had an impressive debut season and topped that off with his first podium at the Dutch Grand Prix last month.
The Frenchman, who obviously has a bright future in the sport, has been linked with a move to the top team, although a number of commentators have suggested he should reject any offers and instead continue to develop his craft with Racing Bulls.
However, Lawson has given Hadjar his backing when he spoke to media.
"He's done a very good job this year," Lawson said to RacingNews365.
"To have a podium this season is pretty spectacular. He's doing a really great job.
"In some ways, I think a lot of drivers always feel ready for another step. He's doing all the right things right now."
Lawson was recently asked about a possible return to the top team, but suggested that his future may lie elsewhere.
Isack Hadjar of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team celebrates his third place finish at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix. Photo: MPS AGENCY / PHOTOSPORT
Formula 1 will introduce a number of technical changes in 2026 including lighter, smaller cars with active aerodynamics which will replace the current DRS.
There will be new hybrid power units with more electric power.
With Red Bull ending their relationship with Honda after this season there has been speculation that it could spell the end of Tsunoda who is backed by the Japanese manufacturer.
Lawson believes the car changes will play a part in what Red Bull decide to do next year.
"It depends on what position the car is in next year, how it is to drive," Lawson said.
"That's probably the biggest thing about that seat right now. So there are a lot of variables there.
"As a driver, he's (Hadjar) ready. If you're ready to be in F1 in the first place, I think you'd be ready for that kind of position."
The next Grand Prix (Round 17) is in Azerbaijan next week.
Lawson currently sits 15th in the Drivers' Championship, 18 points behind his teammate Hadjar.
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